Barn signs or ‘hex signs’ are mostly known today for their decorative purposes, but some believe they were painted by Pennsylvania Dutch farmers to ward off evil spirits or storms, or to bestow blessings and protections on the farm family. Using bright colors and often incorporating a star pattern, these beautiful designs were originally found…

Learn the art of chip carving, a very old craft practiced in many cultures, from instructor Bart Dunning. This is an art form that almost anyone can practice. The finished pieces often look very complicated and beautiful. The patterns we typically see are based on Northern European traditions. Chip carving just requires patience and a…

This class will explore how the fibers from different fiber breeds spin, and different characteristics of various fiber breeds. We will play with spinning different breeds and fibers from our local fibershed using handmade wooden drop spindles, which students will get to keep for future spinning.  We will experiment and play with fibers from local breeds…

Build your own bent shaft canoe paddle. Students will learn about wood selection and grains, use of hand tools and skill saw, paddle design and considerations, and paddle sizing. Each student will leave with a completed bent shaft paddle ready for varnishing. This class will take place over 3 days for a total of 8 hours: Friday…

***This event requires NO registration! However, you can enter your information if you would like us to know you’re coming. *** Calling all wood carvers! Join us in creating a local community of carvers, to share knowledge, help each other, and make friends with other woodcarving artists. Free to anyone who is interested! Local carver…

Ever wonder how a caned chair seat is made? Do you have one (or more) caned chair seats to replace? Then this is the class for you. In this class, participants will hand cane a wooden trivet using natural strand cane to learn the chair caning process. Other topics that will be discussed include: the…

This is an introductory spoon-carving class, great for beginners and those wanting to review the foundations of carving. Class will start with an overview of traditional knife grips and carving techniques. Students will be given the time and material to practice these skills on wooden sticks before carving a medium-sized serving or cooking spoon. With…

Learn how to craft a custom wooden flute with instructor Charlie Prokop, president of the Minnesota Woodturners Association. Students will learn how a flute works, is constructed, and some history of flutes around the world. They will receive materials and instruction on how to make a flute. Your instructor will provide the following materials: 2 prepared…